You can make history and be a part of the Pacific Maritime & Heritage Center’s opening exhibit. The Lincoln County Historical Society wants to borrow your maritime-related objects for the community-based exhibit, “Ship to Shore: Objects of a Maritime Community.” This community-driven exhibit opens June 28th.

“We’ll consider almost anything maritime-related, preferably connected to the central Oregon coast or resident families. Objects need not be old,” Steve Wyatt, executive director of the Society said. “For me this exhibit is both challenging and exciting—just months away—and what will be in it is still unknown. We are inviting the community to be a part of the new museum,” Wyatt said. “The exhibit will be driven largely by what the community chooses to share.”

Mounting a community-based exhibit will bring in objects not part of the Historical Society’s collection. Objects can be loaned for the duration of the exhibit and returned.

To submit an object, call the Historical Society at 541-265-7509. The deadline for offering objects and making loan arrangements is May 15. The sooner objects are submitted, the better. The Maritime Center is secure, clean, alarmed, and insured.

The opening also will feature a juried maritime art exhibit of about 50 pieces conducted by the Historical Society and Michael Gibbons of the Yaquina River Museum of Art.

When the Historical Society acquired the former Scott Mansion/Gracie’s at Smuggler’s Cove in 2004, it was in disrepair. The Society then stabilized the building. Soon after, the project slowed along with the economy.

Recent monetary donations from over 100 members and friends have funded a massive renovation effort on the main floor of the building. The main floor and the deck will open June 28. The basement and upper floor will be renovated as funding becomes available.